Following God carefully, closely
Seeking and knowing God's will means we must be following God carefully and closely every day.
Read Numbers 9:15-23
"Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, resting upon it, the Israelites would remain in camp and would not set out; but when it lifted they would set out" (Numbers 9:22).
What Does This Scripture Mean for Us?
I once knew a woman who insisted that God guided every tiny, day-by-day part of her life. She wouldn't even pick up a washcloth to bathe herself in the morning until she prayed about it and became convinced that God was "telling" her what color washcloth to use that day.
Does God really micro-manage our lives THAT totally? Must we be concerned about knowing His will about what color washcloth to use, which shirt or dress to put on, etc., or does He leave a lot of life up to our judgment and allow us to make decisions without the anxiety of thinking He might not prefer blue stripes in a necktie??
When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He was not only leading them to freedom and to form a nation for His specific plans, He was using them as an "object lesson" for all time. He was creating sacred history every step of the way. As a result, God gave them clear "signs and wonders" to take them exactly where He wanted them, at the exact time He wanted them there, to teach all mankind about His faithfulness and His way of life for us all.
We are doing God a disservice if we demand His voice to tell us what color washcloth to use or what necktie we should wear. Of course He has a plan for our lives, but He has also given us the presence of His Holy Spirit and brains to think with. We can be confident that our trust in Him and our acknowledgment of Him as our Lord will give us the guidance we need as we go about living.
We must follow God carefully and closely -- but we also have the confidence to take daily steps in our walk with Him. As we trust Him, we need not fear we will suddenly somehow lose our way!
